Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jeff Atherton | VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 1, 2021) Capt. Charles Eckhart salutes Rear Adm. Joseph...... read more read more
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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 welcomed its newest leader during a change-of-command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek- Fort Story, April 1, 2021.
Capt. Charles Eckhart relieved Capt. Rick Hayes as commanding officer of EODGRU 2 in front of essential personnel and a virtual crowd of family, friends and service members in support of the Department of Defense’s proactive approach to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The ceremony also served as the retirement ceremony for Capt. Hayes who highlighted EOD’s ability to independently operate to successfully accomplish any mission.
“In the Navy we have mission command,” said Hayes. “By definition it’s centralized intent and decentralized execution… that means our platoons, squadrons and EOD companies can operate independently without a lot of oversight. There is shared mutual trust and an understanding of the mission. I don’t think any community does it better than the EOD and Diving communities.”
Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Rear Adm. Joseph DiGuardo used his keynote address to stress the importance of leadership to create the premier maritime EOD force.
“EODGRU2 is one of the premier units in the United States Navy,” said DiGuardo. “One of the premier units of all navies around the world and the warriors did it… but that doesn’t happen without great leadership and great mentorship,”
In his first address as commodore, Eckhart highlighted the professionalism of EODGRU 2.
“Professionalism is how we do business every day whether you are on the battlefield or your interactions with people,” said Eckhart. “As long you do it professionally you are always on the right side of things. I know EODGRU 2 will continue that.”
EODGRU 2 is a critical part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) that clears explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas; secures the undersea domain for complete freedom of maneuver; builds and fosters relationships with a constellation of capable and trusted partners; and protects the homeland and American way of life.
For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/.
| Date Taken: | 04.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2021 15:46 |
| Story ID: | 393373 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,606 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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